Latest news with #InstaxMini
Engadget
22-05-2025
- Engadget
Fujifilm's X Half is an $850 digital camera with an analog film aesthetic
Fujifilm has already released one unusual camera this year in the GFX100 RF medium format compact, but it's latest model may be the most offbeat yet. The $850 X Half is an 18-megapixel digital compact camera, but it uses half of a 1-inch sensor to shoot 3:4 vertical photos. To drive home the retro vibe, it has a rear screen dedicated to displaying the camera's 13 film simulation modes and can only shoot JPEG and not RAW images. The name comes from "half-frame" cameras popular in the '60s, like the famous Olympus Pen F, that use a 35mm film frame sawed in half (18mm x 24mm in size). The backside-illuminated sensor on Fujifilm's X Half is, well, half that size in both dimensions (8.8mm x 13.3mm) or a quarter the area. It's also the smallest sensor on any recent Fujifilm digital camera, as the X-series uses the APS-C format and GFX models medium format. In fact, the X Half has the same 3:4 vertical ratio as Fuji's Instax Mini instant cameras — so you can make prints using an Instax Mini printer via the new dedicated X Half smartphone app. The X Half naturally uses Fujifilm's film simulation and grain effect modes. Among the new ones are "light leak" for a blown-out quality that happens when film get exposed to light inadvertently, "expired film" and "halation," an effect caused by light bouncing off film emulsion layers. To really get you into that analog film mood, you can switch to the new Film Camera Mode that limits your view to the optical viewfinder, makes you pull a frame advance lever for each new shot and only lets you see the photos once they're "developed" through the X Half app. It even produces a "contact sheet" layout for 36, 54 or 72 images. Another feature is 2-in-1 images that let you combine two still images or movies into one composition in-camera for extra artistic possibilities (using the film advance lever again). That also means the X Half can shoot video as well as photos, with a vertical or square size (up to 2,160 x 2,160) that looks ideal for social media — especially with film simulations applied. Also exuding nostalgic vibes is the "Date Stamp" function that lets you imprint dates in the bottom right of images, just like on old-school Kodak-style film camera. On top of the main rear 2.40inch LCD 3:4 monitor, the X Half has an optical rather than an electronic viewfinder, adding another analog touch (and the accompanying parallax distortion errors). The camera itself is small enough to slide into a pocket and weighs just 210 grams (7.4 ounces). Other features include a built-in flash, massive 880 frame battery life and SD UHS-I card slot. The X Half looks like it could be coveted by social media users or anyone looking for a fun party or vacation camera. However, it's expensive considering that you can just get an Instax (or regular film camera and a lot of film) for a lot less. Fujifilm has definitely captured the photography zeitgeist before with models like the X100 VI, though, so I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a hit. The X Half is now on preorder for $850 (in black, charcoal silver and silver) with shipping set to start on June 12.
Buzz Feed
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Just 26 'Little Treats' To Buy Yourself If You Could Use A Budget-Friendly Pick-Me-Up
An adorable mushroom night-light, because no matter your age, the dark can be a scary thing — especially when you're stealthily sneaking into the kitchen to grab a midnight snack. Some Glamnetic press-on nails which come in various lengths, shapes, and styles, and — the most important "and" there is — reviewers say they last for two+ weeks!!! A dazzling cubic zirconia ring that looks *just* like the one you've seen on the hand of many a celeb and influencer — but for $10. Just keep it away from water (and maybe don't wear it to Solidcore classes if you sweat a lot), and you'll get your money's worth. An Instax Mini photo album keychain so you can parade around like a proud parent with shots of your BFFs and pets. A make-your-own slime kit if it's time you finally see what all these TikTok kids are on about. You can customize each one with your choice of add-ins, too. A TikTok-beloved, gold-plated paperclip necklace that reviewers say can even withstand frequent showers and trips to the beach! A flower-shaped pill organizer if you're notoriously bad at taking your meds and maybe — just maybe🙏 — keeping this cutie on your counter will help. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip — a TikTok-approved Dior alternative that delivers the perfect pout for under 10 bucks! It can be worn alone for a subtle look or layered over other lip products for a full glam moment. A bottle of Elizavecca's Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment which works just like a hair mask to repair your locks in five minutes flat. The Ceramide 3- and collagen-packed formula repairs all types of hair whether you've got over-processed tresses or 4c hair that's susceptible to dryness. Reviewers even say the $9 product is comparable to Olaplex No. 3! A set of cylindrical wineglasses that'll make you feel R–I–C–H even if you're just throwing back some Two-Buck Chuck. An adorable Squishmallow pet bed so your baby can stop sleeping on — and deflating — your actual Squishmallows. Some hyaluronic eye patches that can stimulate collagen production, reduce dark circles and puffiness, and restore elasticity. They're less than $1 per set but they're also gold, so they feel extra luxe. A pair of stylish teardrop earrings if you want the luxe look of Bottega Veneta but don't want to drop the equivalent of a mortgage payment on them — especially with how often you misplace things. COSRX's Snail Mucin Repairing Essence — it addresses dullness and dehydration with, yes 😌, 96% snail sludge that's harvested in a *100%* ethical and environmentally friendly way. Thanks for sharing the goods, friends! 🐌 A Simple Modern tumbler if you're looking for an option that will keep your drink cold for 24+ hours and don't really care about the name brand. 🤷♀️ It also comes in a bunch of pretty pastels and checkerboard prints, sooo it's really a no-brainer. A CZ tennis bracelet that — according to reviewers — can pass for real-deal diamonds, especially when incorporated in a sparkly stack. A tube of E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter — a $14 alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter — with a hyaluronic acid- and squalane-infused formula that beautifully blurs pores and leaves you dewy and radiant. A Calico Critters blind box that's definitely one of those things that make you think " does this exist, exactly?" but at the same point, once you've seen them, you absolutely need one of your own. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks for just $10 (!!) if you've been hesitant to drop $$$ on a singular Laneige lip mask. A cherry bag charm if you're currently 'Jane Birkinifying' all of your bags — aka accessorizing your accessories — and fell in love with a particular $95 charm that's taken TikTok by storm. A mini bottle of Color Wow's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray — it's just the ticket if you're looking to combat frizz, protect against heat tools, and give yourself a niiiiice shiny finish. We've all heard of glass skin... but now it's time for glass hair! A set of custom stickers you can make in the likeness of whoever you want — your pet, your partner, Cillian Murphy... Get creative with it! LivaClean Superstar pimple patches if you love the look of Starface patches, but can't stomach throwing even more money at your acne. Paying for clear skin is just the worst, isn't it?? A set of cross stitch-style sponges with R-rated sayings that definitely won't make the dishes fun, but will probably make them more tolerable. A sardine tin cosmetic bag so you can take all of your favorite products on the road, whether that's to work for midday touchups or to your BFF's house for your weekly sleepover. A cloud-like catch-all dish that looks like it'd be right at home in a trendy TikToker's GRWM.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What to buy at Sun Plaza: 11 indie stores you didn't know existed
If you reside in Sembawang, you likely would have been to Sun Plaza before because of how conveniently situated it is. Sun Plaza is a mixed-use mall between Sembawang MRT Station and Sembawang Bus Interchange. It is 1 of the 2 shopping malls in Sembawang that serves the needs of the residents in the area — wondering what to buy at Sun Plaza? Sun Plaza has various franchise tenants, including Koufu and NTUC FairPrice. But the mall also features a mix of indie retail outlets, including electronics, beauty services and more. Here's what else to buy at Sun Plaza with our list of 11 indie stores at the mall. For this list, we define an indie store as one with 5 or fewer outlets across the country. Da Vinci Picture is a gift shop that produces custom designs. All their gifts are turnkey manufactured. Their designs include mug printing and photo books of different sizes. They have an ongoing promotion where you can get 1 free magnet for every 2 Glitter Mugs or Stackable Mugs (S$25.80 each) bought. You can also buy an Acrylic Photo Frame (10″ x 8″) (S$6.70) and a DIY Scrap Book Kit (S$6.90). Other items there include an Instax Mini Photo Album (S$8.90), a Photo Canvas (12 x 18″) with a Stretcher (S$96) and the Personalised Family Tree Plaque (S$29.90). Sign up for their 2-year membership for just S$10 and you will be able to enjoy a 10 percent discount for various printing services including ID photo, binding and lamination. +65 6756 6630 Daily: 10am – 10pm Facebook | Website Wondering what to buy at Sun Plaza? uBreakiFix is a trusted device repair service specialising in fixing smartphones, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices. Here, you will be able to buy a Pearl Jelly Glitter Design Case for a Samsung Galaxy S23 (S$12.50) or a Minimal Drop-Proof Case for your iPhone 16 Pro (S$32.90). The store also sells phone holders such as the Motorcycle & Bicycle Cycling Phone Holder (S$22.90) and the A053 Universal Retractable Car Mount Phone Holder (S$19.90). You will also be able to buy the Protection Case for AirPods 3 (S$6.90), a Protection Case for AirPods Pro (S$7.50) and a K07 Selfie Stick Integrated Tripod (S$22.90). +65 9661 1614 Daily: 11.30am – 9pm | | D.I.Y. Essentials is a one-stop shop offering a wide range of do-it-yourself (DIY) tools, hardware, and home improvement supplies. Catering to hobbyists and professionals, the shop plies products for various projects, including painting, repairs, and home upgrades. Here, you can get the Double-Sized Acrylic Tape (12mmx1.5m) (S$3), TC 360 Degree Hooks (S$4.50), and the NP Selleys Liquid Nails (75g) (Tube) (S$10). Other products that I spotted include a 210cm Shower Hose (S$11.50), a TC Row of Hooks (S$3), a TC Kitchen Spatula (S$3.50) and TC Slotted Shovels (S$3.50). You will also be able to purchase the Portable Extension Socket (4 Way 6 Metre) (S$25), a Deluxe Basin Tap (S$35.90) and a Transparent Tablecloth (0.1mm) (S$4). +65 6555 1301 Daily: 9am – 10pm Website Efen Reyes is a professional barbershop known for its expert grooming services. It also offers precision haircuts, styling and traditional shaving services. They accept only male customers. Their Normal Haircut costs S$15 for Adults and Toddlers, S$13 for Primary School Students and Senior Citizens (Above 65), and S$14 for Secondary School Students. If you are craving a stylish hairdo, the Fashion Haircuts include Junior Fade (Below 12 Years) (S$17++), Standard Fade (S$22), Mohawk (S$20++) and 0 Fade (S$25). Extra services provided include Hairline By the Blade (S$3++), Curve Line By Blade (S$5++), Ear Hair Trim (S$2++) and Beard Trimming by their Machine (S$15++). Daily: 10am – 9.30pm Website Pet's Street is your one-stop destination for all things pets. Whether you're a dog lover or a cat enthusiast, they offer a wide selection of high-quality pet products, from food to toys. Their food includes the TetraPro Fish Multi-Crisps (S$11.10), Pro Vita Bird Food (S$15.90) and the Maneki Cat Complete Diet Can (85g) (Mix Any 6 for S$5.90). If you are looking for treats, they sell Chicken Fillet & Squid Treats for Cats (S$5.50 for 1 pack, S$10 for 3) and Real Beef Sticks for Dogs (S$4.20 for 1 pack, S$10 for 3). Pets I spotted are the Winter White Roborovski Male Hamster (6 Weeks) (S$16), the Pearl White Roborovski Male Hamster (8 Weeks) (S$20) and the Pied Roborovski Male Hamster (6 weeks) (S$28). Be sure to get their Baby Corn Chew Toy (S$4.50). +65 6752 0175 Daily: 10.30am – 9.30pm Facebook | Instagram | Website What to buy at Northpoint City: 12 indie stores you didn't know existed Wondering what to buy at Sun Plaza? Fen Boutique is a stylish and modern-day fashion destination offering a curated selection of chic and elegant apparel for the modern woman. The store stocks the Long Sleeved Lace Blouse (S$59.90), a Leather Bag (S$99.90), the Collared Shirt (S$59.90), High-Waisted Pants (S$59.90) and Jeans (S$59.90). If you want an elegant appearance, our advice is to pair their-like blouse (S$119) made from polyester with the earrings (S$19/pair) produced in Hong Kong. Website Visual Art's Optics is the one-stop destination for high-quality eyewear and professional eye care services. They offer a diverse range of stylish frames, lenses, and contact lenses. They sell frames and lenses from S$68-S$88 or S$108. For lenses below 400 degrees, they will be able to do it on the spot. Otherwise, you will have to wait for 2-3 working days. They also sell Ray-Ban Sunglasses (S$250-S$346) and Contact Lenses (S$42 for Non-Coloured CooperVision Contact Lenses). The box contains 30 everyday lenses. +65 6852 1611 Daily: 10.30am – 9.30pm Facebook | Website Game Resort is the ultimate destination for gaming enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of games across genres. Whether you're into action-packed adventures, strategic challenges or virtual reality, Game Resort provides a fun-filled environment for players of all abilities. New arrivals include the wrestling sports game 2K25 Standard Edition (S$99.90) for the PS5. Games on offer include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (S$59.90) and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (S$65.90), both for the Nintendo Switch. The store also sells figurines, including Joker from Suicide Squad and Triple H from World Wrestling Entertainment (S$59.90 each). There are also accessories for sale such as the Charging Grip (S$39.90) and Joy-Con (S$97.90) for the Nintendo Switch. +65 6386 2629 Daily: 12pm – 9.30pm Facebook | Website Du Yi Bookshop is a trusted destination for readers of all ages. Offering a wide selection of textbooks, stationery and literature, they are committed to fostering a love for reading. Items that I spotted there include Self-Inking Animal Stamps (S$2 for a pack of 10), Socks and Shoelaces (S$3 each, 4 for S$10), Animal Soft Toy (S$18.90), Globe on Stand (S$37.90 for Big and S$28.90 for Small) and Copier Paper (70gsm) (S$5.90). If you have a little one, purchase the Brainy Child Farm Animals Sticker & Activity Book (S$8.20), My Amazing Picture Book Alphabet (S$6.90) or the My Animals Stickers Book (S$4.90). The stickers in the books facilitate the learning of concepts through tactile activity, allowing your toddler to recognise objects and pronounce them. +65 6754 3390 Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 9pm Sat & Sun: 10am – 9.30pm Facebook | Website Established in 1997, Vanilla Taste of Beauty has clinched several awards. These include the Singapore Promising Brand Award back in 2005 and also the Excellence Service Award. Their flagship service is the Relaxing Luxury Gold Facial (S$59). Top up S$40 for an Eye Treatment and receive a customised treatment machine worth S$128 and a present. They also offer a Nano Peel Lifting Facial (First Trial at S$96) that tightens facial skin. Another ongoing promotion is their Supersonic Speed Ultra Facial Treatment (First Trial at S$140). The technology repairs weakened and damaged skin cells from within. They also provide an eyebrow embroidery service starting from S$198 per session. +65 6555 1128 Mon to Fri: 11am – 8pm Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 7pm Facebook | Instagram | Website Best One Solutions is a shop that offers shoe repair, key cutting, and bag repair services. It will set you back by S$18 each for them to glue back your slipper flap or the sole. They also provide lock duplication services for S$4. Items they stock include the PALC Self-Shining Shoe Polish (50ml) (S$9.50) and a Transparent Plantillas Sole (S$6). Here, you can also buy TRG MinkOil (S$15) and the Transparent Shoe Brush (S$12). +65 9656 3720 Mon: 11am – 5.45pm & 6.15pm – 9pm Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm Facebook | Website 10 best shopping districts in Singapore to shop till you drop The post What to buy at Sun Plaza: 11 indie stores you didn't know existed appeared first on
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Fujifilm Instax Mini 41
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 mixes retro style with an approachable one-button take on instant photography. This slim, purely analog snapshot machine captures images on wallet-sized Instax Mini film, and looks good enough to take out to a party or a night on the town. Picture quality isn't any different from the most basic camera in the line, the cutesy Instax Mini 12 ($79.95), which is our Editors' Choice for its value and ease of use. But we can understand why older teens and adults would prefer the more stylish Mini 41. In an uncommon move, Fujifilm has not set final pricing for the Mini 41 at announcement time; a representative cites "evolving market conditions" as the cause. We expect the company to sort it out quickly, as the camera is supposed to begin shipping to customers later this month. We'll update this story with a rating and our definitive buying advice once we know how much it costs. The Instax Mini 41 has an all-plastic construction, styled to look like a vintage film camera. Its steel-gray-and-black finish, old-school knurling around the lens, and stylized typefaces make for an aesthetically pleasing look, which matters to some people. It's not too much to carry either: The body measures 4.8 by 4.0 by 2.4 inches (HWD) and weighs 15.1 ounces with batteries and film. The camera is decently rounded, though not as curvy as the Mini 12. It's pretty comfortable to hold, too, with a rough, diamond-knurled finish on much of the body that keeps it from slipping out of your hand. An included wrist strap attaches to either of two lugs, located on the left and right sides. Because there are two connection points, you have the option to add a crossbody strap if you prefer. Just be aware the connection points are too narrow to work with Peak Design's popular anchor and strap carry system. The Mini 41 works with Instax Mini film, which comes in either color or black-and-white and is often available in limited-run packs with playful border designs. The instant film has a wallet-sized image area (1.8 by 2.4 inches). It's the smallest of Fuji's three instant film formats, so consider an Instax Square SQ1 ($119.95) if you prefer a bigger 2.4-by-2.4-inch frame or the Instax Wide 400 ($149.95) for 3.6-by-1.8-inch prints. Mini film sells for around $7.50 per pack of 10 shots in color and $8 for monochrome. Fuji makes both instant cameras in analog and digital styles, and the Mini 41 falls into the former camp. Its optical plastic 60mm f/12.7 lens projects light directly onto photochemical film, which starts to develop as it ejects from the camera. The lens has a moderately wide angle of view (about the same as a 35mm full-frame prime) and two manual focus zones, one for close-up with an 11.8-inch (0.3m) focal distance and a second for subjects further away from the camera. The Mini 41's purely analog approach to capture means that you're spending some money, around $0.75, each time you press the shutter. If you're not willing to commit fully to film, consider the Instax Mini Evo ($199.95), a digital compact with a built-in printer that spits out pictures on Mini film. With the Evo, you can print only the photos you want, as opposed to using film for every exposure with the Mini 41. The Evo uses the same type of film for prints but is fundamentally a different experience in use and doesn't have the same purely analog character as the Mini 41. Ultimately, choosing between analog and digital instant photography is a matter of personal preference. The camera is powered by a pair of AA batteries (included) that load in the side. A sliding plastic door covers the compartment, and film loads in the rear. The Mini 41 includes a reminder window on the rear that shows how many images are left in the film cartridge. Each Mini cartridge holds ten pictures. Like the Mini 12, the Mini 41 does not include a tripod attachment thread. The Mini 41's wide, flat bottom allows it to sit upright on a table or another flat surface, but if you want an instant camera that you can use with a tripod, you'll want to upgrade to Fuji's premium Mini 99 or an interchangeable lens camera like the Nons SL645 ($539). We've not yet reviewed the SL645, which also uses Mini film, but previously tested the Instax Square edition, the Nons SL660 ($599). The Instax Mini 41 is very basic as far as controls go. The camera has just one button to take photos, plus a three-stage ring (Off, On, Close-Up) around the lens to control power and set focus. This lines up exactly with the Mini 12 but falls behind Fuji's premium analog Instax, the Mini 99 ($199.95), which adds EV compensation, manual flash control, and a mid-distance focal zone (0.3-0.6m), all absent from the Mini 41. The camera offers two ways to frame pictures—either from behind the lens using the optical viewfinder or in front of it with a selfie mirror. The mirror is a good feature; just set the lens to its 0.3m zone, point the camera at your face, and use the mirror to fine-tune your framing to get the perfect selfie. The optical viewfinder serves as your window to the world. It's decently large and shows a clear, bright view of a scene. It has the same advantages and drawbacks as every fixed optical finder—it's always bright and in focus, but framing isn't precise since you don't get a through-the-lens view. That said, the finder has an internal diopter that engages during close focus to counteract the optical parallax effect, as well as a circle marker at its center point. It may not be as precise as a through-the-lens viewfinder, but it's accurate enough for an instant snapshot camera. The one-button approach makes the Mini 41 an easy camera to pick up and use—apart from the focus zone, there are no settings to ponder. It can leave advanced-level photographers wanting more, however. The Instax Mini 99 is a better point-and-shoot instant camera for shutterbugs because it allows you to control when the flash fires and set the meter to make a brighter or darker exposure. The Mini 99 also includes some neat features, including internal lights for creative filter effects and support for double exposures, that aren't included in the basic Mini 12 or 41. The Mini 41's picture quality is on par with others in Fujifilm's Mini series as it uses the same 60mm f/12.7 optical formula and film. Instax film has a glossy finish and shows strong color fidelity, but like most positive films has a very narrow exposure latitude and dynamic range. In layman's terms, this means that bright areas of scenes can blow out as all-white, as you can see in the following image: Because of this, it's important for the Mini 41 to properly meter a scene to calculate exposure and decide whether or not to fire its flash. The camera does a decent job for scenes that are evenly lit but suffers in tough situations. The overexposed image above happened because the statue in the foreground was shadowed, but the sky behind was so bright that it overexposed the film—this happens easily with Instax Mini film because of its relatively high ISO 800 sensitivity. Conversely, the image below is underexposed. I took this photo in a conservatory with ample ambient light, but the wall of flowers I chose as the subject was in shadow. The Mini 41's flash always fires, so in this situation, the camera should have chosen a longer shutter speed to avoid the silhouette look. The Mini 99 offers more granular control over exposure for tough scenes like this one, and its Lighten and Darken exposure adjustment dial comes in handy for backlit scenes. When it comes to picture quality for instant prints, film size and exposure accuracy are the biggest concerns, though lens quality matters, too. Fans of the Mini format have a few options if you prefer the pop that comes from a glass lens, including the aforementioned Nons SL645 (which works with SLR lenses) and the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass ($189). The other way to get a more impactful image is to choose a camera with a larger film format. Instax Square options range from the basic Fuji SQ1 to the quirky folding Lomo'Instant Square ($129). Instax Wide is even larger and works with cameras like the Fuji Instax Wide 400 and the Lomo'Instant Wide Glass ($279). Polaroid film is also an option; the brand has the entry-level Now Generation 3 ($119.99) and the premium I-2 ($599.99), but be aware that its large square film is more expensive and, in my experience, requires more care and patience to use.
Buzz Feed
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
28 Crowd-Pleasing Gift Ideas To Bookmark For The Next Time You're In The Market For One
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Stop assuming you'll remember that one cool product you saw scrolling, and just save the link already. 1. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" for bringing the no-spill convenience of cupholders to their favorite squishy surface. The built-in pockets can fit cups and bottles of all kinds (even mugs!) and are lined with insulating foam to keep drinks hot or cold for longer. The next time their plans involve rotting in bed all day, they can finally keep all their bevvys and treats within arms reach without any mess. Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review:"Got it for my sister for Christmas. She absolutely loves it and uses it every day. She will put snacks, her phone, and drinks in it all the time. Very sturdy and soft. It keeps her stuff secure while using it. And it looks great." — Alessa M. Hill Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in nine styles). 2. A copy of Murdle, Volume 1, because reviewers rave about the book's engrossing murder mystery-themed logic puzzles. Each puzzle will challenge them to become a detective capable of deducing their way through lies and deceit. There's something for puzzlers of all skill levels with four difficulties to enjoy! There are 100 puzzles total, and four different levels: For Elementary puzzles, you need to find the suspect, location, and weapon. For Occult Medium puzzles, the added challenge is that the murderer always lies, and the other suspects tell the truth! For Hard Boiled puzzles, you also need to find motive! And for Impossible puzzles, you have to discover all four elements and deal with the lying witness statement from the murderer. Sounds like fun! Plus, you're also given a logic grid for each puzzle to help you solve it! Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun, but the characters, storylines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes, but this one will keep me busy for a while!" — Liz Gately Get it from Amazon for $10.25. And if (when) you end up needing more puzzles — don't worry — you can pick up Volume 2. 3. A colorful Fujifilm Instax Mini 7+ camera plus a 10-pack of film if their camera roll is filled with snapshots that never see the light of day. It's time to get them a camera with instant print functionality so they can start turning some of those pictures into irl momentoes right away. Walmart Psst: If they already have an Instax Mini camera, you could also put more film in their stocking — it'll definitely be appreciated! Promising review: 'Ahhh it's so cute! Especially the color! The camera is a bit bigger than I expected but still a convenient size. I'm a bit late to the trend but I love it. I've been taking so many pictures. Very easy to use, I'd recommend it to anyone.' — Johanna Get it from Walmart for $70+ (available in three colors) or from Amazon for $68+ (available in blue or green). 4. A shaved sheep plushie so they can enjoy two smiling stuffies in one since they can shear their new pet by unzipping its fuzzy-wuzzy jacket. Promising review: "For the sheep lover in your life, this is the perfect gift. Small enough for little hands but big enough for lots of fun. Outer coat zips off to expose a freshly sheered sheep. Nice way to demonstrate the different ways a sheep can look." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 5. An adorable bookmark book tracker to help them chronicle their 2025 reading goal. This lovely little bookshelf has space to color and fill in titles for a visual reminder of their progress. British Book Art / Etsy British Book Art is a small business based in the UK that sells cozy book art and bookmarks. Promising review:"I'm absolutely obsessed with this bookmark. It's definitely made me more determined to read this year and will be a nice keepsake. Will be repurchasing when this one's almost filled." — Mady Taylor Get it from British Book Art on Etsy for $5.20. 6. Or an adorable embroidered bookmark that can be personalized with an initial and nestles neatly on the corner of their current novel to mark their page. It's gloriously ~aesthetic ~ and might help them kick that nasty dog-earring habit (...guilty). Promising review: "It fits the page or pages well. Very beautiful and unique design. I love it." — RK Get it from Amazon for $6.98 (available in letters A–Z and five colors). 7. A jar of Momofuku's chili crunch for a legendary addition to their condiment lineup that tastes astoundingly good on everything from eggs to ice cream. (For real!) It's made with three types of Mexican chilis, crunchy garlic, and shallots to add heat and texture to every bite. BuzzFeed editor Bek O'Connell really adores this jar of goodness: "I put this stuff on everything! It just makes food taste better. I highly recommend to any fellow spicy lovers looking for the perfect topping. This chili oil comes with seasoned salts, Mexican chilis, dried garlic, and shallots." Get it from Amazon for $12.69 (available in four flavors and as a multipack). 8. Silly Poopy's Hide and Seek because it's exactly what it sounds like, and it sounds pretty darn fun already. Take turns hiding this rainbow-colored gadget around the house — it'll shout clues, eventually playing a song when it's finally found. Now who's ready for another round?! John Mihaly / BuzzFeed What Do You Meme? is a small business that sells card games/toys, plushies, and pool floats. Promising review:" My 6- and 3-year-old are OBSESSED. They play for an hour at least! Played with daily since we got it. When it's my turn to hide, I make it tricky enough that I can actually be productive until it's my turn again." — Cara Lentz Get it from Amazon for $12.99. 9. A daily Jeopardy 2025 calendar if they're a major fan of the show or just looooove having an excuse to show off how smart they are in front of their co-workers. Amazon Promising review: "I don't think I would be invited to Christmas dinner If this wasn't under the tree! My mom's favorite day-to-day desk calendar." — LAM Get it from Amazon for $16.19. 10. A custom mesh friendship bracelet so the bestie you WISH you knew as a summer camp tween can sport a more ~adult~ version of the beaded classic. Personalize it with their name — or your pet name for them! Baublebar You can add up to 13 letters, btw! Get it from Baublebar for $38 (available in seven colors). 11. A set of Globbles to initiate them with the legions of TikTokers already loving this stress-relieving fidget toy. These colorful balls are not just fun to squeeze and stretch, but they also stick to pretty much any flat surface without leaving behind messy residue. Promising review:"Bought a six-pack for my neurodivergent family. We are all either ADHD or autistic. I struggle with compulsive hair pulling and bought these to help keep my hands busy. They are a perfect size, more satisfying than a stress ball, clean easily, are fun to hurl at the wall or ceiling, and so far have lasted very well. I did test the durability of one and did break one when I pulled it as hard as I could — the inside looked something like shaving cream and didn't smell or anything. But if you have a kid who is an aggressive chewer, perhaps keep an eye on them." — Amazon Customer Get a set of six from Amazon for $9.99. 12. A dimmable sad duck night-light for some deskside camaraderie on those days when life is beating them down. This little guy always gets it and will stay up to burn the midnight oil with them when you can't. Amazon Promising review: "The best This duckie night-light is just the serotonin boost I needed! This light has three just tapping on its bum. I couldn't be more pleased with the quality! This duckie brings me pure joy!! 🥰" — Sena P. Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available also as a dog and a pear). 13. A canvas boat tote-style bag because it's sturdy, massive, and completely customizable, with loads of trimming colors to choose from and the option to add up to three lines of embroidered text for whatever name, monogram, or inside joke they'd like best. 7 Threads Embroidery / Etsy 7 Threads Embroidery is an Ohio-based small biz making all kinds of custom embroidered goods. One BuzzFeed editor got this bag last year and got it embroidered with "ludicrously capacious" à la Succession. In case you need some inspiration! Promising review: "So structured and so much space! one of my best tote bags as of now since it's so big. the quality is amazing and the seller was so nice and patient with my order." — s h a w n y Get it from 7 Threads Embroidery on Etsy for $29.50+ (available in 14 trim colors, 28 font options, 24 monogram options, and 46 embroidery thread colors — that's a lot of options)! 14. A mini Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy if their workstation could use a lively companion who's always down for an impromptu dance party. Promising review:" I opened the package and screamed for joy! As I placed the 9-volt battery my hands were trembling with what was going to happen next! As I turned on the wacky waving inflatable tube man I knew I have a friend for life. Someone you can really count on cheering you up when you are feeling down. He brought me such joy I started to cry with laughter and happiness." — Robert Wurstner Get it from Amazon for $8.58. 15. An IRL copy of Brat on vinyl so they can keep summer's biggest mood going with a collectible I bet they'll be showing off to their grandkids one day. Amazon 16. A dumpster pencil holder to dress up their desk with something that conveys their general feelings about the workplace. Hey! It's functional, too, with three compartments to hold small office supplies and a set of flame-shaped note cards to write out all their grievances...I mean, reminders. Amazon Promising review: "I bought this for my wife to keep on her desk at work (middle school teacher), and if you're a teacher, I'm sure you understand how funny/fitting this would be on your desk. It's super well made, pieces punch out easily, very simple to put together. The note cards are heavy card stock too. Very impressed for the price. Great gift." — Tom Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two other styles). 17. A game of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza that's super simple to learn, great for all ages, and anything but boring. Play this fast-paced party game once and they'll become the star of every future game night on their calendar. Amazon The rules are simple. Deal the deck out to all players (works with 3–8 players). Everyone keeps their mini deck face down and goes around the table, flipping a card face up and saying one of the five keywords (taco, cat, goat, cheese, and pizza — in that order). Once the card played matches the word said, it's a race to slap that center card. Whoever taps in last has to take the center stack, and the round starts over. Whoever gets rid of all their cards first wins! Promising review:"Fun game for all ages, we first played this game when camping with family. we loved it so much that we bought it for our own household, people of all ages can play the game, it's fast, fun and gets you laughing. Great for traveling, camping, or just at home. Simple, quick fun game." — Erin Foster Get it from Amazon for $9.95. 18. A Taylor Swift Little Golden Book for the loud and proud Swiftie who spent all their PTO (and paycheck, tbh) getting themselves to The Eras Tour and would absolutely make the same decision all over again. Who cares that it's technically a kids' book?! With illustrations this gorgeous, it's a collector's item. Heather Braga / BuzzFeed 19. A set of eye-popping fine-point pens because why settle for just black and blue pens when they could have all the colors of the rainbow at their disposal? These are designed not to bleed through thin pages, so all your planners and journals can get the flair pen treatment. Promising review:"I love how this pen feels to hold and it writes beautifully! I am very picky about how the ink looks from the pens I use, and I don't remember having one that writes so smoothly and beautifully! I will buy these whenever I need more. I actually just purchased another package of all black!" — Kate Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $8.99 (available in two larger pack sizes). 20. A globally inspired spice subscription if they're trying to cut back on going out, but don't want to cut back on trying wildly good food. Each box includes spices from a single country with quick and easy, chef-developed recipes so their weeknight dinners still feel like a flavor-packed special occasion. Piquant Post Piquant Post is a small business shipping out freshly ground spice blends and corresponding recipes for anyone caught in a food slump. What they'll get: Each monthly box comes with three to four spice blends from a single country or region, as well as chef-developed recipes that can be cooked quickly — a plus for anyone with a busy schedule. They'll also get access to more recipes online plus ingredient substitutes and suggestions for alternative uses for your spices. Promising review:"Great Gift!! I got this box as a present for my parents. They absolutely love it! The recipes are interesting and require only a moderate level of cooking skill." — Danielle A. Get it from Piquant Post for $10.99+/month (available in month-to-month, six-month, and 12-month subscription lengths). 21. A backyard pickleball set so your favorite sports-loving family can practice at home without schlepping to the courts all the time. Set-up is simple — kids can do it easily — and it packs up teeny tiny for easy storage. Promising review:"We absolutely love our Dink Buddy portable pickleball net! It's the perfect mini-size net to play in the driveway, backyard, and really anywhere! The compact size allows us to easily take our net on the go to family vacations and so many other events. The high-quality design is durable and beyond easy to set up. My kids can set it up on their own in minutes! Great value for the money, and we have made so many priceless memories!" — Kelli Get it from Amazon for $84.95+ (available in three sizes and six colors). 22. A bottle of Sweet Tooth — Sabrina Carpenter's signature fragrance — to gift the short and sweet queen in your life one of three long-lasting, cozy scents that truly smell good enough to eat. Promising review:"Couldn't wait for this one. The impressive cherry scent sadly doesn't last long at all, BUT the scent that's left behind is flowery, fresh, clean, and romantic, like a beautiful October day. With the perfect amount of sweetness and a hint of cherry. Delicious really. For the price and the cute design, I can't ask for a better scent. Love it!" — Milen Get it from Amazon for $29.88 (available in three scents). 23. A TikTok-famous 1,000-piece Mystic Maze puzzle that's a whole lot more than meets the eye. While working to complete, they'll be treated to over 50 easter eggs, small details, optical illusions, and a twist (designed by magicians) that's only revealed when the puzzle is complete! Promising review:"Love this puzzle, my nieces and I enjoyed putting this puzzle together and enjoyed the secret at the end as well. The different rooms were so fun to look at individually, and the art was wonderful. We even enjoyed the 'I Spy' section after finishing the puzzle and the fact that it told a story. A great spin on a classic pastime." — Takirah Griffin Get it from Amazon for $22.99. If you've given this puzzle in the past, or they're already a fan, don't fret! They've released several series of puzzles — you can shop them all on Amazon. 24. A 100% cotton Original Berf of Chicagoland tee because "Yes, chef!" is firmly a part of their vocabulary now. This is a collector's item after all! Shirts & Giggles / Etsy Shirts & Giggles is a woman-owned small biz based in L.A. They upload new designs every week! Promising review: "This shirt has quickly become my favorite T-shirt to wear. It is so comfy, like [super] soft even after repeated washes. And the text still looks great!!!! Highly recommend this T-shirt and this seller." — Melissa Morgan Get it from Shirts & Giggles on Etsy for $39.99+ (available in unisex sizes S–3XL). 25. A Frostbuddy if your favorite beverage fiend can never seem to down their cold brew before the ice melts and it gets all diluted. Save the day with this insulated sleeve, which is designed to fit small, medium, and large cup sizes from most major coffee chains so drinks stay deliciously intact for the duration of their day. Frost Buddy is a small business that specializes in universal thermal-controlling drinkware. Check out a TikTok of the Frostbuddy in action. It comes with a lid, so you can also use it as a regular thermos to keep drinks icy cold and super hot! You can even pop a hot coffee cup into this to keep it warm, so it's a frosty and hotty buddy. Promising review:"I absolutely love this! I use this all the time for my coffee from Starbucks, and it is amazing! I'll get iced coffee at 9 a.m. and still have ice in it at 7 p.m. I have many Frost Buddy products now, and their entire line is phenomenal. This is definitely a must-have item for coffee or tea drinkers. I love that it also comes with a leakproof lid, so you can put your own drink in there, too. Overall, awesome product!" — EHW Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in 11 styles). 26. How to Be More Tree — a book filled with charming illustrations, detailed advice, and age-old lessons taken from the infinite wisdom of trees. Are they prone to feeling frazzled? This is a perfect bedside option to grab when they need help grounding. Amazon 27. A pair of rainbow drip candles to gift your favorite dinner party host some extra special ambiance for their tablescape, which reveals a colorful menagerie as wax melts. Amazon Promising review:"Love this! Such a fun candle. Definitely have to shave the base of the candle down to make it fit in the wine bottle, but a vegetable peeler made quick work of it! Great gift for any candle-loving friend or coworker!" — Amazon Customer Get a pair from Amazon for $6.99. 28. A customizable Wanderchain that pairs with tokens for a unique way to commemorate their travels. Whether they're on a mission to visit every country, baseball stadium, or national park, they'll love adding tokens with every trip (and you'll love having future gift ideas in your back pocket). The Wander Club The Wander Club is a small business that started with the mission of capturing travel memories without amassing loads of bulky souvenirs. A lovely bonus — they donate 1% of all sales to environmental non-profits.
